Recently, there has been a decision made by the Alliance of North American Pipe Band Associations (ANAPBA)  to revise the massed band drum scores (snare, tenor and bass) which will now be referred to as "The Massed Band Cadences".

This initiative was started by Jim Sim and Reid Maxwell who, with many others, observed that the massed band drum scores were too difficult for novice drummers playing in grade 5 bands and community bands throughout North America. Many bands have felt obliged to teach the scores to beginner/novice drummers very early in their development so that they could be included in massed bands and parades. Because the scores are beyond the capability of novice players, too many individuals struggle to play them. 

The new massed band cadences will allow novice drummers to be included in massed bands by playing simpler scores that are appropriate for their experience level. 

It is anticipated that this will facilitate the improvement of massed bands at our highland games and at the same time it will support drummers who are in the earlier stages of development. 

The Massed Band Cadences can be found here: 

Folder of everything

All Drumming Parts

Snare  (Audio files here: folder)

Tenor

Bass

Here are videos of the FREE Zoom workshops we ran to help you get your hands (and head) around the New Massed Band Cadences:

Additional tenor drumming resources for massed band cadences:

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